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Three groupings to watch in British Open third round
PORTRUSH, United Kingdom, July 20, 2019 (BSS/AFP) – Leaders Shane Lowry and
J.B. Holmes will have to fend off a charge from a host of big names and major
champions on moving day at the third round of the British Open.
Here, AFP Sport takes a look at three groupings to watch on Saturday at
Royal Portrush (all times GMT): 1420: Brooks Koepka (USA) -5, Justin Rose
(ENG) -6
World number one Koepka has not missed out on the top two at each of the
three majors so far this season and believes he should already be in front
based on his play from tee to green.
The American blamed his putter for not already being 10-under, but is still
well-placed to make his move for a fifth major title.
Rose has just one major to his name, but just missed out on the Open last
year with a late charge to finish second and was in fine form with a round of
four-under on Friday. 1440: Tommy Fleetwood -7 (ENG), Lee Westwood -7 (Eng)
Even in front of an Irish crowd, the English duo will not want for support
with the flamboyant Fleetwood a fan favourite following his star role at the
Ryder Cup last year.
Westwood is golf’s nearly man having finished in the top three at majors
nine times without ever winning one.
Now 46, the former world number one appears to have accepted that fate will
decide if he is to ever be a major champion.
“If it’s going to happen, it’s going to happen, and if it doesn’t, it
doesn’t,” said Westwood. “Just go home and have dinner, go on holiday the
next week. Do the same things, life won’t change.” 1450: Shane Lowry -8
(IRL), J.B. Holmes (USA) -8
The last men out have no major winning experience between them and how they
handle the nerves and focus of attention will be vital with a stellar cast
chasing them down.
Lowry admitted he had already felt the tension as he dropped a shot on the
last of his second round to fall back level with Holmes on eight under.
However, the Irishman revelled as he rode a wave of support early in his
round and believes more of the same can inspire him to forget the demons of
blowing a 54-hole lead at the US Open in 2016.
BSS/AFP/GMR/0853 hrs